Suttavibhanga

Suttavibhanga is the first division of the Sutta Pitaka, one of the three major collections of texts within the Tipitaka, the Buddhist scriptures. The Sutta Pitaka is attributed to the Buddha and his disciples. The Suttavibhanga itself is further divided into two parts: the Bhikkhu Vibhanga and the Bhikkhuni Vibhanga. These two sections meticulously detail the monastic rules, known as the Vinaya, for fully ordained Buddhist monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunis), respectively.

The Bhikkhu Vibhanga outlines the 227 rules for monks and the Bhikkhuni Vibhanga details the 311 rules for nuns. Each rule, or 'pātimokkha', is presented along with its associated offense category and the narrative circumstances that led to its formulation by the Buddha. The text explains the nature of each offense, ranging from severe transgressions like those involving sexual intercourse or theft, to minor infractions. Understanding these rules was crucial for monastic discipline and the preservation of the Buddhist community's ethical conduct. The Suttavibhanga serves as a foundational text for monastic life in Theravada Buddhism, providing a comprehensive guide to ethical behavior and the structure of the Sangha.